Twelve LAQV researchers have been awarded a contract in the scope of the Individual Call to Scientific Employment Stimulus - 3rd edition (2020), promoted by Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT).

Get to know our researchers and their projects - seven in the category of Assistant Researchers and five as junior researchers.

Ana Clara Grosso | Assistant Researcher

#MINDtheMOOD: Exploring NMDA receptors for discovering new fast-acting antidepressants for Treatment-resistant depression

#MINDtheMOOD aims to completely understand the mechanism of action of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist ketamine (KET) in order to create a plant-based solution for treatment-resistant patients unresponsive to classical monoaminergic antidepressants. The central question is: How can we produce an emergency antidepressant drug with persistent effects and without the psychotomimetic effects of KET? To answer it, a multidisciplinary approach based on receptor-binding assays using natural products and zebrafish NMDAR, production of nanoparticles for intranasal drug delivery, and behavioral tests using zebrafish, will be implemented. The results obtained will be decisive in providing information on how to reduce the burden associated with depression, the leading cause of disability worldwide, leaving a positive imprint on the societies of the XXI century.

Andreia Peixoto | Assistant Researcher

Bio-based amines from renewable resources through catalytic sustainable processes (BIO2BIA)

BIO2BIA project intends to be a driving force to the use of biomass, as alternative to fossil resources, under innovative catalytic processes to produce bio-based amines.

Amines are important building blocks of polymers, pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Conventionally, amines are produced from petrochemical resources using complex synthetic procedures involving toxic chemicals completely misaligned with the green chemistry principles for a sustainable future chemical industry. BIO2BIA project aims to contribute to change this paradigm providing sustainable innovative catalytic processes to prepare bio-based amines from biomass derivatives. The project involves the production of biochar based catalysts and their application in catalytic transfer hydrogenation and hydrogen borrowing amination to produce bio-based amines.

Francisca Sarmento | Junior Researcher

Eco-Innovative Strategies to valorise Fruit Byproducts: Safety assessment and health benefits for Functional Foods and Cosmetics approachesv

Francisca Rodrigues project combines valorisation, food/cosmetic industries and health, aiming to obtain bioactive extracts from fruit byproducts, using green extraction techniques: Pressurized Liquid Extraction (PLE) and/or Ultrasound Assisted Extraction (UAE). Extracts from kiwiberry (Actinidia arguta) byproducts using PLE/UAE will be optimized and characterized regarding chemical profile, antioxidant capacity and inhibitory ability of different enzymes. The Life Cycle Assessment will set the extraction process sustainability. The most sustainable extracts will be considered for in vitro assessment of properties for Functional Food (FF)- permeability through in vitro intestinal model after digestion; and Cosmetics- human skin permeation and potential irritation on 3D models. Upon incorporation into final FF and cosmetic, the in vivo effects on mice and humans, respectively, will be evaluated, regarding pharmacokinetics and physiological responses. This project will account with the industry collaboration.

Ivo Dias | Junior Researcher

SilaPro: A Bioisosteric Strategy to Rescue MIF-1 Neuropeptide by the Development of Orally-Available Sila-Derivatives for Application in Parkinson’s Disease

SilaPro fosters an innovative approach in Parkinson’s disease (PD) therapy by targeting dopamine D₂ receptors (D₂R), in contrast with current strategies focused on dopamine (DA) potentiation, which over time are known to cause motor and non-motor fluctuations as side effects.

Melanostatin (MIF-1), a neuropeptide with intrinsic anti-Parkinson activity, has a great potential in PD therapy as a potent positive allosteric modulator (PAM) of D₂R. However, despite its remarkable modulatory activity, MIF-1 is being neglected as a therapeutical option due to its low intestinal absorption profile. In this sense, SilaPro proposes the rescue of this neuropeptide by establishing and implementing a silicon switch approach using silaproline as a proline surrogate. SilaPro project is expected to make a paradigm shift in PD therapy, paving the way for novel and safer therapeutical alternatives.

João Araújo | Assistant Researcher

TRANSFORMABS | TRANSFORMing Aqueous Biphasic Systems: Continuous Affinity-driven Purification of Recombinant Protein Therapeutics using Bioprivileged Ionic Liquids and Deep Eutectic Solvents

The project TRANSFORMABS envisages the development of inexpensive, nature-inspired ionic liquids (ILs) and deep eutectic solvents (DES), and their assessment in the development of benign affinity-driven extraction processes using aqueous biphasic systems (ABS) for the purification of recombinant protein therapeutics, with emphasis on mAb therapeutics. One of the objectives of this project is to create platforms of IL- and DES-based ABS, with dual affinity for polypeptide tags, conjugated with 3 not widely spread methodologies for ABS: microfluidics, continuous and multistage operation; for improving the mAbs downstream purification toolbox, as a key to decrease process development cost and time to market. Ultimately, TRANSFORMABS project will impact society since the development of more benign chemical compounds based on natural materials from renewable resources, and more affordable recombinant protein therapeutics, are relevant challenges of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Liliana Tomé | Assistant Researcher

Next generation of bioconductive soft materials: can biobased iongels be a solution?

This project proposes the use of ionic liquids and poly(ionic liquid)s to developed engineered biobased iongels, representing a clear breakthrough in the design of bioconductive soft materials able to improve people’s lives. Ionic liquid-based materials hold great potential due, not only to their known excellent properties as ion conductors, but also to the easy tailoring of their properties. Still, one of the common concerns of ionic liquid-based materials consists of its biodegradability due their bioaccumulation and negative effects to the environment and the human body. Therefore, and motived by the concept of “green” materials, this project focuses on the use of nature-derived precursors and the establishment of efficient routes to develop innovative iongels, that can have applicability in environmentally save (biodegradable) and/or biocompatible devices.

Maria de Fátima Barroso | Assistant Researcher

Challenging the Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) diagnosis: Moving towards sensitive electrochemical miRNA biosensing

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder in childhood and considered to be one of the most inherited psychiatric disorders with a 76% heritability. ADHD syndrome is characterized by age-inappropriate overactivity, impulsivity, inattention, and disorganization.

ADHD diagnosis is based on a triad of behavioural symptoms, parent interview and clinical observation. But despite the existence of an array of behavioural disturbances, exact diagnosis can be problematic.

This proposal intends to develop electrochemical RNA-based sensors able to detect RNAs associated to ADHD. This application presents for the first time a new device to be used by mental health workers to help improve ADHD diagnosis accuracy. Besides, this proposal highlights the use of non-invasive biomarkers (urine/saliva) and the design of a cost-effective sensor platform.

Marisa Freitas | Assistant Researcher

Nanoencapsulation of polyphenols as a novel approach to treat Diabetes mellitus

The project supported by the CEEC grant involves the development and application of new pharmaceutical nanoformulations containing polyphenols with antidiabetic properties. It is estimated that, in 2030, 578 million of diabetic people will exist worldwide. A plethora of evidence indicates that the use of polyphenols can be considered as a potential complementary strategy to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Unfortunately, these compounds have an extremely low absorption and extensive first-pass metabolism, which restricts their bioactivity. This Project intends to overcome these limitations, through the development and application of nano-drug delivery systems, specifically targeting the liver. The results obtained will be a vital investment for the patients’ quality of life and wellbeing.

Raquel Viveiros | Junior Researcher

Be$AFE: Sustainable surface engineering for bacteria-free banknotes

According to The World Health Organization, infectious diseases kill more than 17million people per year as a direct result of bacteria. In addition, there is a strong relationship between bacteria stored at surfaces and a negative impact on human health. Banknotes, in particular, are a huge source of bacteria. They can hold up to seven different types of bacteria, some of them lethal. By simply touching a banknote, they can adhere to our hands, and thus pass to our mouths, eyes and bodies, causing diseases. Be$AFE project aims to address this world challenge by producing bacteria-free banknotes. It involves surface engineering of cellulose based paper with antibacterial and/or superhydrophobic polymers using a green technology. The banknote paper will be able to either kill bacteria by contact, or to prevent bacteria adhesion, while keeping its typical features. This scalable technology could have a direct reduction in healthcare costs while improving wellbeing through disease prevention. This platform technology and developed strategies could be followed in other applications such as in hospitals, nurseries and airplane environments.

Susana Soares | Assistant Researcher

BiTTASTy: New Molecular and Cell-based Approaches to assess Food Astringency and Bitterness

There is a growing interest and incidence of plant-based diets (e.g. Mediterranean, MIND diets), which align health and sustainability. These diets and foodstuffs have two common taste properties bitterness (bit) and astringency (ast). bit and ast are mostly unpleasant and occur naturally in some products or could appear due to manipulations of products (e.g. reduced sugar) were they were previously masked. ast perception is complex and the molecular mechanism beyond its perception is still unknown. This application aims an integrative approach on ast study, covering the key factors of all the presently proposed mechanisms: oral (mechano)receptors; salivary proteins and oral cells. For bit research, the critical issues include the effect of other food compounds and the existence of a reliable sensor to overcome the flaws of sensory assays. So, it is planned to develop a bit sensor (bits). This project will allow to move forward on understanding ast & bit, and use this to follow and tailor ast & bit within food industry using natural compounds.

Vanessa Otero | Junior Researcher

MaddArt | Towards the preservation of Madder reds in painted Artworks: History, Science & Art

Madder reds have been used since antiquity as dyes and pigments to create colour, a key element of heritage objects. These were prominent colours throughout the ages and were favoured by influential artists such as J. M. W. Turner (1775-1851) and Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso (1887-1918) even after the discovery of synthetic substitutes. Applied as tempera or oil paints, these light-sensitive colours have faded in important artworks. The key factors and mechanisms that lead to their colour alteration are still to be solved. Breakthroughs for their preservation will be created by advancing knowledge on the metal-anthraquinone intrinsically complex structures of madder reds. With the powerful combination of technical art research and chemical analysis, MaddArt will address this challenge, contributing to the development of advanced sustainable conservation and authentication strategies. Ultimately, it will offer a means to assess the current state of conservation and predict the original visual appearance of madder reds.

Ana Rita Araújo | Junior Researcher

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